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Easy One-Pan Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Recipe

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This Easy One-Pan Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet is a comforting, budget-friendly dinner ready in 30 minutes. With savory beef, tender rice, and a creamy, golden cheese topping, it’s a crowd-pleasing meal that requires minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once shimmering, add the ground beef. Break it apart and cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes for browning, then stir and cook until no pink remains, about 5-6 minutes total. Leave about a tablespoon of fat in the pan.
  2. Reduce heat to medium. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle the uncooked rice over the beef and onion mixture. Stir and cook for about 2 minutes until the rice turns slightly opaque and smells nutty.
  4. Pour in the beef broth and undrained diced tomatoes. Add paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  5. Turn heat to high and bring to a full boil, about 2-3 minutes. Reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
  6. After 18 minutes, remove the lid carefully. The rice should be tender and most liquid absorbed. If still soupy, cover and cook 2-3 more minutes. If dry but rice not done, add ¼ cup water or broth, cover, and cook a few minutes longer.
  7. Remove pan from heat. If using cream cheese, stir it in until melted. Add 1 cup shredded cheddar and all the mozzarella. Stir until fully melted and creamy. Sprinkle remaining ½ cup cheddar on top.
  8. Cover the pan and let sit off heat for 2-3 minutes to melt the top cheese. For a browned top, broil for 1-2 minutes, watching closely.
  9. Let the skillet sit uncovered for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.

Notes

Don’t lift the lid while rice simmers to ensure proper cooking. Grate your own cheese for best melting. Let the dish rest 5 minutes before serving for best texture. For variations, try Tex-Mex with cumin and pepper jack, or add veggies like bell pepper and spinach.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pan meal, cheesy ground beef and rice, easy dinner, 30-minute meal, budget-friendly, comfort food, skillet dinner

Find it online: https://zestynora.com/easy-one-pan-cheesy-ground-beef-and-rice-recipe/